1971 Cuda Wanted in Yellow

[CudaFan1]

I know I am sure many people out there will criticize me for saying this but I am looking for a 1971 Plymouth Cuda in Yellow thats a Convertible it does not have to have a shaker on it, but would be sweet if it did. This has been my dream car forever and I would prefer to find one in an Automatic. I am hoping I can find one, and i can say living in Montana I have only seen and know of one 70 Cuda all original but is not the color or the car I am looking for. Please let me know I am hoping to find my dream car.

[crocha617]

That will be a tough order to fill unless you have lots of $ set aside. I actually sold a project one a  few months ago to a member here but they don't come along to often. What's your budget? Are you looking for a finished turn key car or a project?

[CudaFan1]

Well I am trying to stay in the $30's to low 40's I know that it could be really impossible as since I have been looking the average is around 45-70,000. I would not mind picking up a project that does not need tons of work, I used to be a Ford Mechanic and you know the 71 Cuda Yellow was my dream car even though I love Mustangs, Cuda's are the dream machine.

I would not mind picking up a project that does not need tons of work such as motor or tranny, I have not even looked for motors on these bad boys and I have glanced at the Shaker System and thats hard to find the scoop alone.

[TinCuda]

Keep your eyes on Ebay motors.   They pop up every once in a while.


.,

[CudaFan1]

I keep checking Ebay daily and cannot seem to find the right car. Do you all know of any Convertible projects for sale that dont need tons of work in the 70-71 Body Style?

[crocha617]

Convertible Cudas are very rare. With your budget you will most likely have to live with a 318 Barracuda clone. A real 71 Cuda convertible turn key car will cost you twice your budget. You will likely pay close to $30k for a total project car if it's a real 71 Cuda. There aren't many around. Keep looking the prices are coming down and there are deals popping up but keep in mind you're trying to find one of the rarest and most desirable year and model muscle cars ever made.

[CudaFan1]

Yah thats what I am afraid of, I know those cars are so rare and everyone wants one, I am hoping I can find one or a decent project to take over and finish the rest. I have been thinking about it lately and am wondering what is the true difference from a 1971 barracuda to a 1971 cuda other than engine and badging? Anyone know where to find a 1971 Barracuda Convertible?

[MEK-Dangerfield]

71 Cuda's would of had a 340 engine or any big block that was available. The suspension would have also been beefed up. Another leaf in the rear springs, and larger torsion bars up front. So it's not really much of a difference on the surface, but real Cuda's are going to be cost a  lot more.

[CudaFan1]

Thanks for explaining the difference, i would have no problem starting with a Barracuda and making it a Clone, as I would try to make a daily driver and would hate to rack up tons of miles on a 71 Cuda!!!

Any ideas of where to find a 1971 Barracuda Convertible for a decent price? Or even as a project car?

[TorOrange]

Other differences would be:

Grille
Valence insert
71 cudas got the gilled fenders 71 Barracudas didn't (71 cuda only option)
Seats are different
Tail lights are different
Billboards 71 cuda only option
Hockey stripe 70 cuda only option
Also a few different color options between the years.
and a few other small differences.

Havn't seen many 71 vert's lately so your going to have to be patient.

I suggest also signing up on http://board.moparts.org/ubbthreads/postlist.php?Cat=0&Board=E and placing a wanted ad aswell as http://www.forebodiesonly.com/

[CudaFan1]

Thanks for the help guys really appreciate this, I guess if you come accross a Cuda or Barracuda in a 1970- 71 let me know, I prefer the yellow and the Convertible.

[CudaFan1]

Just thought I would ask how hard would it be to find a 1973 Cuda and convert it to a convertible and make it look like a 1971? Is there tons on fabrication or could most of the parts be bolted on? Let me know guys and if you also know where to find a 72-73 Cuda in Yellow

[TorOrange]

Converting a 72+ into a 71 you'll need to replace

Header Panel
71 Fenders (because of the dual headlights)
Of course the grille
Tail light panel and Tail lights
Rear quarter side markers
Seats and a few other smaller things

Now the thing is well that I know of, the structure pieces of the Convertible model are not being made.
But Top is made. Also think there is some other piece or pieces made. Also the verts had torque boxes and stronger frame rails.

[crocha617]

You really need a convertible parts car to convert a hardtop to a convertible. There are just so many parts you'll need that aren't reproduced yet. By the time you buy the hardtop car, all the convertible parts and spent an obscene amount of time cutting & welding you'll wish you spent the $ and bought a convertible. There is a guy out west his name is Ken H. and he has a few conversion kits available. He fabricates some parts and buys rusty parts cars and he repairs the pieces and sells them off. I think a Complete kit with all the parts you need is near $10k from him if I remember correctly.

[Cassady426]

I have a complete 71 barracuda convertible for sale. Car was done 20 years ago and has no repro parts on it. that includes the shaker. On thing is it is not your colour of yellow but red with white interior with white billboard. 383 with 4 speed.
Asking 70,000
email me if interested dcassady1@cogeco.ca